Coding Tip: Excision vs. Resection ICD-10 PCS

The focus of this coding tip is on the excision vs. resection ICD-10-PCS coding. This can be challenging for coders when trying to determine the appropriate root operation (objective of procedure) to use. Physicians are using excision/resection interchangeably within the documentation.

It is the coder’s responsibility to determine what the physician performed based on the documentation in the record.

Excision:

The root operation “excision” takes out some or all of a body part without replacement (some of a body part).

If the surgeon states “partial resection” the coder can correlate this to the root operation of “excision.” Be sure and read the entire operative note and review the pathology report for final code assignment.

Biopsies are coded to the root operation “excision” when the surgeon excises tissue with a sharp instrument (other biopsy approaches are extraction and drainage).

Examples of Excisions:

Excision/removal of inner outer quadrant of the breast

Excision of upper pole of right kidney

Excision/removal of portion of the sigmoid colon

Excision of lesion of the left love of liver

Resection:

The root operation “resection” takes out some all of a body part without replacement (all of a body part…no portion of the organ left behind).

If PCS contains a specific body part for anatomical subdivision of a body part “resection” would be used when all of the body part is cut out or off. (Lobectomy of RUL of lung would be coded as a resection if all the RUL is removed, even though the entire right lung was not removed).

Examples of Resections:

Cholecystectomy (removal/resection of the entire gallbladder)

Mastectomy of left breast

LUL lobectomy

Sigmoidectomy (removal of the entire sigmoid colon)

Resection/removal of entire left lobe of the liver

References:ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting 2017ICD-10-PCS Reference Manual

Happy Coding!

The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.